ABSTRACT
In working with battering intervention groups, the authors have been surprised to find how few of the group members consider themselves intimidating to others. In one group exercise, they would have a few group members role-play intimidating postures and gestures with other group members. Whether it is use of size, scary eye contact, wild hand gestures, or an intrusion of personal space, intimidation is used as an effective means of control in many relationships. The authors present the exercises and stories to examine various aspects of intimidation and to provide a few techniques for change. The stories provides some real-life perspective on the struggle other people go through to modify their intimidating beliefs and behaviors. The authors also provide a list of positive self-statements for people who are trying to find a cooperative solution to the issue they and their partner are confronting.
